A request: Be kind. Without knowing how long this
physical isolation from one another will last, as we do our best to prevent the spread of a virus that has enveloped the globe and caused sickness and death, we start a new way of living.
The simplest gestures of affection — a squeeze of the hand, a kiss on the cheek, a hearty embrace — are not recommended ways of interacting at the moment. Instead we are asked to keep a respectful distance — six feet — from one another.
Some health experts advise individuals to behave as though they have the coronavirus and act as though they do not want to transmit it to a loved one. That means thorough hand washes and staying away.
We are all trying to adjust to this temporary (hopefully) new normal. Be kind to one another.
A reminder: Be thoughtful.
As we make our way through this new social landscape, some among us have embraced a form of extreme self preservation. They have raided grocery stores and outlets and stripped stores of sanitizers, toilet paper and food. In the first days since the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus a pandemic some shoppers exited stores with cartloads of goods in quantities that could care for a small nation.
The urge to hoard is understandable in the face of uncertain times. But it is a disservice to the neighbors, friends, family and strangers who do not have the same immediate access t items that are needed by everyone in a community.
And despite what the social isolation calls for — staying at home, limiting contact with others or learning to cook at home — we are still a community.
An admonition: Be vigilant. And never forget.
There will be people who take advantage of the uncertain period we find ourselves in, preying on the weak and vulnerable. Scams will emerge and bad players will do their best to line their pockets by conning people out of the little they have. Don’t let that happen and don’t be a victim. Watch out for one another.
And never forget who the decision-makers were and the policies they made that brought us to a place where families worried how they would pay their medical expenses in the event they lost their jobs and sources of income. When things resume some sort of normalcy it’s important to remember who had your best interests in mind and who was out to make a buck.
